A Statement from the Permanent Secretary

The Scottish Government is an organisation that is committed to
public service, focused on improving outcomes for the people of
Scotland and aspiring to be an exemplar in all that it does.

Our investment in the development and wellbeing of our workforce
is a key component of the distinctly Scottish approach to public
service. Underpinning this approach is a belief that everyone has a
right to equality of opportunity and should be able to fulfil his
or her potential free from the barriers that limit aspiration.

I am pleased that we are offering more opportunities to young
Modern Apprentices. I welcome the increase in the proportion of
women being appointed to Scotland's public boards and to senior
executive positions. This reflects the hard work being undertaken
across government and the wider public sector. I am also pleased
that we are maintaining our focus and efforts on becoming a more
diverse and representative workforce. We will be doing all we can
in the period ahead to make further progress.

I welcome the emphasis we are putting on widening partnership
and collaboration and to listening to the voices of those who have
the lived experience of inequality and disadvantage. In all that we
do on this agenda, we are the better and more effective for working
together - across government, with our partners and alongside our
communities.